Rays Pick Nick Martinez Over Drew Rasmussen for World Series Game 1
The Rays chose Nick Martinez over Drew Rasmussen for World Series Game 1 against the Brewers. Why Tampa Bay made the call and who starts next.
World Baseball News Editorial Team , 2 min read 
The Tampa Bay Rays will start Nick Martinez instead of ace Drew Rasmussen in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, October 23. Manager Kevin Cash’s decision gives Rasmussen an extra day of rest while sending the 36-year-old Martinez to the mound opposite Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski at American Family Field.
It is a significant call for a Tampa Bay team chasing its first World Series championship. Martinez has been one of the Rays’ most dependable starters, but Rasmussen has led their postseason rotation. Cash is prioritizing the shape of the entire series rather than using his ace at the first opportunity.
Why the Rays chose Martinez
Martinez went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA across 180 innings and 31 starts during the regular season, earning his first MLB All-Star selection. Tampa Bay went 24-9 in games he started, and he has allowed three earned runs on seven hits over nine innings in two postseason starts against the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians.
His road performance strengthens the case for starting him in Milwaukee: Martinez posted a 2.38 ERA in 16 away starts, compared with 3.90 at Tropicana Field. He also knows Friday’s venue. In his Rays debut on March 30, Martinez held the Brewers to two runs in six innings as Tampa Bay won 3-2 at American Family Field.
Rasmussen, meanwhile, is expected to start Saturday’s Game 2 with five days of rest. He has gone 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA, 23 strikeouts and three walks in 21 postseason innings. Former Milwaukee pitcher Freddy Peralta, the AL Championship Series MVP, is lined up for Game 3 at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 26.
Misiorowski awaits in Milwaukee
The Brewers will counter with 24-year-old right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, who led Major League Baseball with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts in the regular season. His high-velocity fastball presents an immediate challenge for Tampa Bay’s lineup.
Milwaukee is appearing in its first World Series since 1982. Neither the Brewers nor the Rays have won the championship, guaranteeing a first-time winner when the best-of-seven series ends.
First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern on Friday in Milwaukee. The opening matchup is set: Martinez against Misiorowski, with Rasmussen waiting for Game 2.
